Recent Advances on Catalytic Atroposelective Synthesis of Planar-Chiral Macrocycles

Planar-chiral skeletons widely exist in natural products, bioactive compounds, and other functional molecules. Although significant progress has been made in the field of asymmetric synthesis of centrally or axially chiral molecules over the past years, enantioselective constructing of planar chirality is still a big obstacle and numerous efforts have been made in this field. Previous works have mainly focused on the assembly of planar-chiral [2,2]-paracyclophanes and metallocenes. This Minireview describes recent advancements in asymmetric catalytic synthesis of planar-chiral macrocycles, including ansa chain construction, plane formation and asymmetric transformation strategies. It is anticipated that this Minireview will sever as a source of inspiration for developing new unconventional procedures for access to planar-chiral skeletons.